The videoconferencing system
can be a dedicated videoconferencing unit, by
manufacturers such as Polycom®, Tandberg™, or VTEL®, or it can be an extra computer equipped
with a webcam, microphone, speakers, and
videoconferencing software, such as Microsoft®
NetMeeting®.

The videoconferencing system
should be connected to a large screen (either a
monitor or an LCD projector). The image should
be displayed in the front of the room so the
students can see the mission commander and video
clips.

There should be four
teams of students, and each team will require
one or more computers connected to the Internet.
Each team will have the following computer
requirements:

Life support team:
three computers

Task control team:
at least one computer

Special operations
team: at least one computer

Communications team:
one computer

Macromedia® Flash®
player v. 7.0 and optional NetMeeting (both
software programs are free and available on the
Internet). The Flash tools for the mission will
not work properly without Flash Player 7.0 or higher.

Printer (network,
optional).

Digital camera
(optional). A digital camera is valuable for
recording the excitement of the mission.

Videoconferencing System

The videoconferencing system
can be either a stand-alone unit (such as Polycom,
Tandberg, etc.) or a computer-based system (PC
with a webcam and NetMeeting software).

If you have a
stand-alone videoconferencing system, make sure
it is connected using IP. If you are using ISDN
or ATM lines, you will require a bridging
system.

If you have a
computer-based videoconferencing system, and the
computer is a PC, you have to install Windows
NetMeeting. Unfortunately there are no free
videoconferencing software downloads available
for Macs that we can recommend.

Connection Procedures

Test the audio/video
connection at least one week before.

Make sure the camera and microphone are
easily accessible by anyone visiting the
primary communications center.

The whole class should
be able to see and hear the mission commander.
Make sure you can turn up the audio loud. Make
sure the video can be seen anywhere in the room.

During the audio/video
connection you will need to test the computers.
Using one of the computers you will use during
the mission, go to the following URL:
http://www.e-missions.net/flashcom/satellite (must have Flash Player v 7.0 or higher).

Animation showing all of the innovative programs for digital learning that the Center for Educational Technologies has developed. Some of them include: EVA Alert, M.A.R.S., and Target Moon.

The Center for Educational Technologies® at WJU has developed a series of innovative programs for digital learning. These programs provide teachers with an all-inclusive package comprised of curriculum aligned with state and national standards and a live “mission” via technology. The programs were designed around best practice models and principles derived from the latest educational research.